Arabian Gulf University (AGU) has launched the fifth edition of its Professional Diploma in Waste Management, offered by the College of Education, Administrative, and Technical Sciences in collaboration with the AGU Centre for Consultation and Training. The launch was held under the patronage and in the presence of the Dean of the College.

In his opening remarks, Prof Waleed Zubari, Dean of the College, welcomed the new students enrolled in the programme launched by the university to meet current and future demands. He explained that one of the university’s key objectives is to qualify and prepare human resources to tackle upcoming challenges by offering innovative academic and professional programmes. These focus on capacity building, innovation, green technology, and the circular economy, underscoring the university’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development across the Gulf.

Prof Zubari expressed satisfaction with the programme’s successful implementation and positive outcomes in previous cohorts, which have contributed to meaningful societal change within the Gulf. He noted that this success reflects the high standards maintained by the programme’s team and its high demand, driven by its vital role in supporting sustainable development.

Dr Sumaya Yusuf, founder and coordinator of the programme, Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering at the Centre for Biological and Environmental Studies in the College of Education, Administrative, and Technical Sciences, and Director of the Corporate Communication Centre, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the strong regional and international support enjoyed by the programme, since its inception to the present day when global challenges such as climate change, escalating waste generation, resource depletion, and their environmental, health, economic, and social impacts are pertinent.

Dr Yusuf affirmed that effective resource and waste management, along with pollution control, has become a top priority worldwide. Waste is increasingly recognised as a valuable resource and a fundamental element in many industries, she noted, playing a critical role in advancing the circular economy, economic diversification, investment opportunities, job creation, and overall quality of life, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

She commended the ongoing support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for this pioneering programme, which uniquely combines sustainable resource management, pollution control, entrepreneurial innovation, and investment in the circular economy. She highlighted the programme’s accreditation by the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (CIWM) in the United Kingdom, making it the first internationally accredited waste management programme in the region. She also expressed appreciation for the university’s support of professional diplomas, in recognition of their vital role in addressing the needs of the region across key sectors.

For her part, Dr Afaf Mubarak Bugawa, Director of Centre for Consultation and Training, stated, “The launch of these professional diplomas reflects AGU’s dedication to preparing national cadres capable of innovation and contribution to the development of our Gulf countries.” She affirmed the university’s keenness to adopt qualitative programmes tailored to meet the demands of the Gulf labour market fulfilling the development goals outlined in Vision 2030.

Since its inception in 2021, the Professional Diploma in Waste Management has graduated 91 professionals including experts, decision-makers, and specialists committed to advancing sustainable waste management practices across Gulf. These graduates continue to drive positive change and support society’s transition toward sustainability, reaffirming AGU’s key role in capacity building, empowerment, and sustainable development.